Police investigated over free tea

Pc's tea: "Going on since Dixon of Dock Green"

A police force has launched an internal investigation into officers accepting free teas and coffees while on duty.

Cheshire Police says that the inquiries are centring on a motorway service station which is believed to give out free drinks to officers.

Accepting "hospitality" goes against force policy, a spokesman said.

The investigation has been criticised by an officer who runs the Victims of Crime Trust, saying the accepting cups of tea is "good community policing".

It has been going on since Dixon of Dock Green Norman Brennan, Victims of Crime Trust

A Cheshire Police spokesman said on Thursday: "An internal disciplinary investigation is under way into officers being provided with food and drink while on duty.

"The investigation is at an early stage. No officers have been suspended."

It is not known how many police officers are involved.

Norman Brennan, a London police officer who runs the Victims of Crime Trust pressure group, said: "Tens of thousands of police officers, including myself, have had free cups of tea from cafes or restaurants.

"It has been going on since Dixon of Dock Green.

"It is good community policing. It shows the public that police officers are human beings, who enjoy a cup of tea on a cold morning like everyone else, and it provides a reassuring, visible presence."